When complications occur during labor or delivery, the consequences can be life-changing. In many cases, birth injuries are preventable—and when they happen due to medical negligence, doctors and hospitals may be held legally responsible. At Pisanchyn Law Firm, we represent families across Pennsylvania, including in Scranton, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh, who are seeking justice for birth-related medical malpractice.
Here are the most common birth injuries that lead to lawsuits:
1. Cerebral Palsy
Often caused by a lack of oxygen during birth, cerebral palsy can result from delayed C-sections, failure to respond to fetal distress, or complications with the umbilical cord. It is one of the most common and costly birth injury claims.
2. Brachial Plexus Injuries / Erb’s Palsy
These injuries occur when the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck during delivery (shoulder dystocia), and too much force is used to pull the infant out. This can lead to partial or total paralysis of the arm.
3. Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
HIE is a severe brain injury caused by insufficient oxygen and blood flow during labor or delivery. It can lead to permanent brain damage or death and often results from a delayed response to signs of fetal distress.
4. Skull Fractures or Head Trauma
Forceps or vacuum extractors used improperly can cause skull fractures or bleeding in the brain. These injuries may lead to long-term neurological issues.
5. Facial Nerve Damage
Pressure from forceps or poor positioning during delivery can damage facial nerves, resulting in drooping or loss of movement on one side of the baby’s face. Sometimes the damage is permanent.
6. Spinal Cord Injuries
Though rare, spinal cord damage can occur from excessive force or incorrect handling during delivery, especially in breech births. These injuries are often catastrophic.
7. Fractured Bones
The most common is a fractured clavicle, often caused during difficult deliveries. While many fractures heal well, failure to diagnose or improper handling can lead to complications.
8. Caput Succedaneum and Cephalohematoma
These are types of swelling or bleeding under the scalp that usually resolve on their own. However, if not monitored, they can lead to jaundice or other complications.
Why Birth Injury Lawsuits Happen
Many lawsuits stem from the following types of medical negligence:
- Failure to monitor fetal distress
- Delayed or denied emergency C-sections
- Improper use of delivery tools
- Missed diagnoses or failure to act on risk factors
What to Do If You Suspect Medical Negligence
If your child suffered a birth injury and you believe it was due to a doctor’s mistake, it’s important to speak with an experienced birth injury attorney. Pisanchyn Law Firm offers free consultations and represents families across Pennsylvania.
Contact us today to speak with a compassionate legal team that will fight for the compensation and justice your child deserves.
